Whately Ag Commission Defers BESS Bylaw Endorsement, Sets June 8 Next Meeting

WHATELY -- April 13, 2026, Whately Agricultural Commission reviews battery energy storage bylaw and defers endorsement until after town meeting. The commission discussed a draft BESS bylaw crafted by Planning Board member Grant to conform with state guidance released March 31, which rendered similar bylaws in other towns subject to revision. Members noted a proposed 300-foot setback from agricultural water supply wells exceeds the state DEP standard of 250 feet, but declined to write a formal endorsement letter, with one member observing that "by the time we get something voted on, hyped up, it's going to change." A public hearing originally scheduled for April 28 was moved to approximately May 12 after that date conflicted with town election day, and the full bylaw is targeted for the June 2 town meeting. The commission also voted to skip its May meeting and reconvene June 8, received a new six-acre farmer Jake Russell who is leasing his Christian Lane land to Kitchen Garden Farm while planting chestnuts, and discussed a draft survey from Judy Marklin on potential commercial kitchen use in the Center School renovation, estimated at $5.7 million.